Almost 200 primary school students from across Waterford city and county have showcased their creativity and entrepreneurial skills at the LEAP 2026 Showcase, marking the programme’s 10th anniversary.
The Local Enterprise and Achievement Programme (LEAP), run by Junior Achievement Ireland in partnership with Waterford Local Enterprise Office, gives 4th and 5th class students a hands-on introduction to entrepreneurship. Over four weeks, pupils work alongside volunteers from the local business community to develop and pitch their own business ideas.
The showcase event provided students with the opportunity to present their concepts to a panel of business leaders, known as FROGs (For Recognition of Greatness in Students), who acted as judges and offered feedback based on their professional experience.
Jacqui Gaule of Waterford Local Enterprise Office said the programme plays an important role in introducing young people to enterprise from an early age.
She said students gain valuable experience creating and pitching business ideas, with many going on to participate in second-level mini-company programmes. She also praised the confidence and creativity displayed by participants each year.
Throughout the programme, students learn how to develop business ideas, understand customers and markets, build brands, apply marketing principles and improve teamwork and communication skills.
Over the past decade, LEAP has grown into one of Junior Achievement Ireland’s flagship initiatives in Waterford. The programme now runs in more than 60 per cent of schools across the county and has engaged more than 2,000 students. During that time, 350 student-led businesses have been created with support from 240 local business volunteers.
Rachel O’Dowd, a lecturer in Enterprise Development and Rural Innovation at South East Technological University and one of this year’s judges, said she was impressed by the quality of ideas presented.
She said many of the projects were practical and well-developed, with students demonstrating a strong understanding of real-world business concepts and how their products could be brought to market.
Junior Achievement Ireland CEO Helen Raftery said the programme’s success over the past ten years highlights the value of connecting classroom learning with real-world experience.
She said working directly with business volunteers helps students understand how ideas are developed and transformed into viable business concepts.
As LEAP celebrates its 10th anniversary, organisers say the programme continues to encourage young people to think creatively, work collaboratively and build confidence through entrepreneurship.
